Chief executive steps down after nine years

The chief executive of one of the region’s biggest hospital trusts is stepping down after almost nine years at the helm.

Simon Pleydell, who runs South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will leave the organisation in September.

Under his leadership the trust has gained a national, and in some cases an international reputation, for its specialist services, quality and innovation.

Recently, the organisation became a major trauma centre for the southern part of the northern region and celebrated the culmination of a £35million cancer services redevelopment with a royal opening of the Endeavour Unit, which offers leading world-class treatment in radiotherapy.

He said: “This has been a difficult decision for me but I have decided to step down to develop the next stage of my career in the NHS, either on a regional or national basis.

I am extremely proud of what the organisation has achieved during this period, the values we have, and how we have responded to the challenges we face.

This is an opportunity for the organisation to refresh its leadership so that it can move into the next chapter of its history with equal energy and commitment to the quality patient care we provide.”